Map Submission Format
• Required: Exact Map Filename (ctf_example_a4)
• Required: TF2Maps.net file ID number, OR url to offsite download.__BZ2 compressed files are greatly appreciated to save time for the host.__May NOT be a hosting site like mega-upload (wait times, codes, excessive ads, etc).
• First time submissions, Required: TF2Maps.net discussion thread number.__My scheduling system uses this number, I need it, not the post number. (picture)
• If you need a specific time slot: Available time & your time zone.__Only use if you aren't available for the whole testing period and wish to attend your map.
• Would you like the SourceTV demo of the test?__These are automatically recorded at all times.
• If your submission is a single stage out of a multi-stage map, please mention this. (orphaned stage)
• If you are a donator with upload abilities, please say if you have already uploaded the map.

Testing options
• A time extension may be requested for mature non-arena maps in need of fine tuning (this includes orphaned stages).

You can keep the same TF2Maps.net file number by clicking edit on your file's page and then simply putting a new file in the upload box. This makes it easier for you (don't have to update all your links!), easier for me, and less clutter on the site. (picture)

Rules
• The map must be playable. This means fully functional objective system, proper spawns, not fullbright, etc.__The purpose of this testing is to help authors refine their designs, not catch newbie bugs.
• Filename MUST be versioned. (ctf_example_a1.bsp, NOT ctf_example.bsp)__Do not rename a bsp after compile. The vmf must be renamed before compile.
• Filename must be all lowercase. (ctf_example_a1.bsp, NOT CTF_Example_A1.bsp)__Our Linux servers don't work with uppercase names.
• Map must be IN DEVELOPMENT, finished maps do not require testing.
• Map may NOT use a point_servercommand to alter any variables.
• Map must be designed for normal play.__This means no melee, class restricted, too small for 24 players, or otherwise gimmicky maps.

• You may NOT reserve a submission without a download.
• Non-compliance with rules will result in rejection of the submission.
• If an author has more than one map they want tested, they must be submitted to separate days.

Information
• First come first serve, until the 3 hour period is filled.
• Maps will get 30 minutes playtime, KotH gets 20, Arena and orphaned stages get 15.
• Submissions will be limited to 3 hours of testing.
• Last map can exceed the limit so long as most of the testing happens within the 3 hour period(30 minute test starting at 7:40 EST is allowed, 30 minute test starting at 7:50 EST isn't)
• Server with most author votes/majority of time slots gets used.

Are we just going to be playing the same 5 maps every sunday? That's not really what this event is for. The fact that it barely fills is bad enough, but to be playing the same maps is a lot of effort on my part when the intention is not to be a test-maid to X individuals.

It's not, but it's just that the Sunday gameday is under question and if all the same people are the ones on it, mostly for minor changes, then it doesn't really do much to help the community in general, and the gameday becomes slightly less useful.

Are we just going to be playing the same 5 maps every sunday? That's not really what this event is for. The fact that it barely fills is bad enough, but to be playing the same maps is a lot of effort on my part when the intention is not to be a test-maid to X individuals.

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Maybe it is the fact barley anyone is making any maps now because they are waiting for next major contest, i don't know, it sure seems like it.

Well personally I tested my beta 2 twice as I needed the feedback and missed the first game day for beta 1, but now I'm submitting beta 3 and have been working hard on the changes again. If the same people are submitting maps you probably don't need a Sunday game-day then if you're getting tired of testing the same ones.

I read your blogs and saw you had a ctf map you were working on. Is that old news and in a finished state or could we have a look at it?

I was under the impression that game days were supposed to test new versions of a map, didn't realise it was one and you're done.

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Gameday's are for testing several maps by several people, new maps take priority so that the same individuals don't hog (the limited) slots with the same maps. Whether it's a new version or not.

I need to be fair, but not only that you don't need a gameday to test your map frequently and consistently. That's what impromptu's are for (and other custom TF2 communities).

I don't want to give the impression of favouratism, this event is for everyone; and i certainly don't wanna end up playing the same maps each week. That's just not what the event is about and nor is it attractive to players who come expecting fresh material. We can can play a map through several iterations, no problem, but i wont push aside other maps that are more in need.

A week's cool off for a map test has always been a gameday rule/ettiquette.

I submit to Sunday mostly because that's usually when I finish my changes and it's the next game day available. I tried submitting to Wednesday, but that gameday failed and then on Friday my web host made a few changes to my account 2 weeks early which left the download unavailable.

If you want to skip me and let someone else in, fine, I don't mind. But in a few weeks -- after my new computer gets here and I put it together -- Sunday is going to be the day I start coming because I'm asleep during the other times, or should be asleep at least, so Altar's coming back to Sundays after that.

The reason the rule was implemented was to stop people being greedy and hogging up slots. It also reduces the chances of a rush job that is potentially harmful to the server and event success.

If the slots are there, we'll play the map. If there is competition for slots, a repeat test takes a back seat.

People need to worry less about getting a map tested 2 or 3 days later than they desire. People need to learn to be more patient. You'll get more map tested... but there are other people using this service as well.